How Much Does it Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida?

So you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent? Great plan! It doesn’t cost much to get your real estate license in Florida, and your earning potential is basically unlimited.

According to Indeed, the average salary of a real estate agent with one to two years of experience is $94,370! That is pretty incredible considering you don’t need a pricey college degree.

There are a few hoops to jump through in order to become a real estate agent, but they won’t cost you much compared to what you can make. In fact, you can completely cover the cost of becoming a real estate agent in Florida with the commission from your very first real estate deal.

What It Costs to Get Your Real Estate License in Florida

Let’s take a look at the different real estate license costs in Florida and the requirements of getting your Florida real estate license.

Cost #1: Pre-License Real Estate School Course: $100-$500

The first step in your journey to getting a real estate license in Florida is to take the state-required pre-license courses.

Real estate schools vary in terms of curriculum, student support, and cost, so spend a little time comparing schools to find the best option for you. As you look at real estate schools, pay special attention to:

• Exam pass rates. How well do the students from each school do on the state real estate exam?
• Access to the course materials. Do you have to attend courses on campus? Can you access the coursework from your cell or tablet?
• Student support. Will there be real estate professionals available to answer your questions?
• Price. How much is your real estate school? Will your student experience be worth the expense?

Cost #2: Application Fee: $83.75

To apply for a license, simply submit an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) along with an $83.75 application fee and proof of completing your pre-license education.

Cost #3: Exam Fee: $36.75 per attempt

Next, you’ll need to take the state exam. The current exam fee for the sales agent license is $36.75 per attempt. It’s a difficult test, and many people need two or even three attempts to pass it. Passing on the first try will save you time and money. This is why it’s important to check out pass rates when choosing a real estate school!

Cost #4: Fingerprinting Fee: $50-$80

Anyone who is applying for a real estate license must pay a fingerprinting fee of $50 to $80 to check for any criminal history.

The Total Florida Real Estate License Cost - $270 - $700

Adding all these costs together, you should expect to pay somewhere around $270 to $700 total to get your real estate license in Florida, with the biggest variable in cost being which real estate school you choose.

Other Costs to Become a Real Estate Agent

Next, let’s take a look at some of the costs associated with being a new agent.

Cost #1: Brokerage Desk Fees: $0 to $3,600 per year (varies)

New agents must work under a broker, and some brokerages charge monthly fees to agents in exchange for office space, mentoring programs, and training. You’ll want to do your homework when you pick a brokerage to join.

Cost #2: REALTOR® Dues: $150 - $900 per year

Most agents choose to become official REALTORS® by joining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). You’ll also probably want to join your city’s local real estate board. These organizations offer tools and resources that can help you succeed as an agent. Dues for NAR were $150 as of 2022. Local real estate board membership dues will vary, but in Miami, for example, membership in Miami Board of REALTORS® costs from roughly $900 per year.

Cost #3: Marketing Materials: anywhere from $200 to $3,000 per year

You will need to budget some money for your marketing needs. You’ll need to print business cards, property flyers, signs, and mailers, and create a website to advertise both you and your properties.

Cost #4: Living Expenses: Varies

It can take months to close your first deal. You’ll need to find your first clients and see that deal through to close before you collect a commission check. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average cost of living in Florida is $3,635 per month per person, so consider what you’ll need to budget for as you’re starting out.

The Total Cost of Becoming a Real Estate Agent - $800+

Adding all these costs together, you should expect to pay somewhere around $800 to $8,000 (plus living expenses) for your first year being a real estate agent in Florida. These are rough estimates, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.

• Pre-License Real Estate School Courses: $100 to $500
• Application Fee: $83.75
• Exam Fee: $36.75 per attempt
• Fingerprinting Fee: $50 to $80
• Brokerage Desk Fees: anywhere from $0 to $3,000 per year
• Membership Dues: $150 to $900 per year
• Continuing Education Courses: $200
• Marketing Materials: $200 to $3,000 per year
• Living Expenses for 2 to 6 months

Is a Florida Real Estate License Worth the Cost?

With all these upfront fees, and the slow start to your new income, you may be wondering: Is my real estate license worth it?

As long as you’re a hard-working self-starter, the answer is a resounding YES!

The Bottom Line

A career in real estate is exciting, fulfilling, and flexible. And it’s also high-paying if you’re willing to work hard and stick with it!

AceableAgent offers payment plans at checkout to help break up the upfront cost of getting your real estate license. Through our partnerships with Affirm and Klarna, we can offer monthly payment plans that best suit your needs.

Ready to take the next step toward becoming an agent? You can learn more about how much it costs to get your license and even sign up to take a pre-licensing course today!